A nearly 1,000-year-old prophecy is creating a storm of intrigue online following the passing of Pope Francis, reigniting ancient discussions and sparking fresh questions about the future of the papacy — and for some, even the fate of the world itself.
On Monday, April 21, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, with the Vatican confirming that a cerebral stroke led to heart failure. As the Catholic Church enters its customary nine-day mourning period, attention has turned not only to funeral plans and public tributes but also to the pressing matter of selecting the next pope — a decision both spiritually significant and politically delicate within the Church.
However, adding an eerie undertone to this historic moment is the resurfacing of an ancient prophecy, attributed to Saint Malachy, the 12th-century Archbishop of Armagh, Ireland. Known as the Prophecy of the Popes, this cryptic list, which has fascinated both occult enthusiasts and religious theorists for centuries, has led some to wonder if we’ve now reached the prophecy’s final chapter. The list, which reappeared in the 1500s but is believed to have been written much earlier by Saint Malachy, predicts a total of 112 popes from the time of its writing until the end of the Church. Each pope is described by a short Latin phrase symbolizing their character or origin, with the final entry ominously stating:
“In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit Peter the Roman, who will pasture his sheep in many tribulations, and when these things are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful judge will judge his people. The End.”
The speculation that Pope Francis might be the final pope has set the internet ablaze. Supporters of the prophecy are quick to draw connections, some more speculative than others. For example, Pope Francis chose his papal name after Saint Francis of Assisi, whose father was named Pietro (Peter in English). While Francis himself was not born in Rome, his spiritual and administrative role in the city has led some to symbolically deem him “Peter the Roman.”
Even more unsettling to believers is the idea that the world may be heading toward a cataclysmic reckoning. Some proponents of the prophecy speculate that 2027 could mark the end of global stability — a theory that, though lacking hard evidence, has gained traction in today’s turbulent world. Critics, however, warn against interpreting Saint Malachy’s prophecies as anything more than religious folklore. Many historians argue the list was likely created in the 16th century to sway a papal election, pointing out that there’s no historical evidence linking it to Saint Malachy himself. Furthermore, many of the predictions for early popes appear to match known facts too conveniently, while those for more recent popes are often vague.
Josh Canning, director of Toronto’s Newman Centre Chaplaincy, expressed doubt when the prophecy made a resurgence during the transition from Pope Benedict to Pope Francis in 2013. “I don’t know how you can connect Peter the Roman with Pope Francis,” he said, reflecting the sentiment of many who dismiss the theory as apocalyptic superstition.
Yet the timing of the prophecy’s revival cannot be ignored. The world today is embroiled in numerous crises — climate chaos, war, displacement, and political division. The notion of a final pope reigning amidst a period of “great tribulation” resonates with those who are already anxious about the future. For many, however, the focus remains on honoring Pope Francis’s legacy and preparing for the solemn transition to the next spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. Whether that leader will be the symbolic “Peter the Roman” or simply the 267th pope guiding over 1.3 billion Catholics remains to be seen.
What’s your take? Is the Prophecy of the Popes just a relic of religious folklore, or does it warrant a closer look given recent events? Feel free to share your thoughts.
